Skip to content
Ad Disclosure
An investigation into the pipeline for kickers and punters from Australia into college football programs has revealed allegations of fraud, according to a report.
The 7-month investigation was conducted by FOX-29 in San Antonio. Per the network’s reporting, their investigation uncovered “doctored documents” and found numerous examples of ineligible players earning college football scholarships.
FOX-29 says it asked IFW Chairman Ken Gamble to assist in verifying academic records and other documents it obtained throughout the investigation. Gamble said in addition to breaking NCAA rules, the fabrication of academic documents could also represent fraud.
“These students that we’ve investigated have attended university full-time, and we don’t believe that it was disclosed. If there has been a misrepresentation of their educational standards, then this is not only a violation of the NCAA eligibility rules, but it’s also fraud in their visa documents,” Gamble told FOX-29.
At the center of the investigation is a group called Prokick Australia, who specializes in preparing kickers and punters to come overseas to play college football in the US. According to FOX-29 in San Antonio, their investigation uncovered multiple instances of Prokick fabricating transcripts in order to help their clients obtain scholarships.
ProKick Australia’s website says it has helped 270 players earn full scholarships in college football as of January 2024. Their list of alumni includes 8 Ray Guy Award winners and 2 National Champions. Alumni include former Texas punter Michael Dickson, former Miami punter Lou Hedley, former Auburn punter Arryn Siposs and former Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston.
However, it’s worth noting that not all punters who have come over from Australia are under scrutiny. One anonymous coach told FOX-29 that there are Australian and international players who are doing things “the right way.”
“The injustice is there are players that are doing it the right way, Australian and international players, American players that are doing it the right way, that have legit transcripts,” the coach told FOX-29.
Prokick Australia did not issue a comment on FOX-29’s investigation in time for publication.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
You might also like…
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
